A chilling new scam preying on the kindness of strangers has surfaced, and one mother, Nancy Walsh, is sounding the alarm with a warning that could protect you from falling victim.
Her urgent message reads: “If you spot a stroller, car seat, or any baby-related item abandoned in a desolate area, I repeat, do NOT stop. Stay safe!”
Naturally, our first instinct when seeing baby items by the roadside is to pull over and check if a child is in distress. But this unsettling scam is designed to exploit that very instinct.
Nancy Walsh, an estate agent, found herself in a deeply unsettling situation that could be especially alarming for those traveling alone. While driving down a quiet country road, she came across an abandoned stroller positioned off to the side, surrounded by the eerie stillness of the night. The area appeared deserted, with her car being the only one in sight. Her headlights cast an eerie glow on the pram, which was facing away from her, making it impossible to tell if anything was inside.
The stroller sat on a grassy verge, next to a stretch of road flanked by dense trees, adding to the unsettling atmosphere. The isolation of the location, coupled with the mystery of the abandoned stroller, made the scene all the more unnerving.
Walsh, along with many concerned social media users, believes this is part of a dangerous scam. “Never get out. Always call 911 and let the authorities handle it,” one user cautioned. “People lie in wait—at best, they rob you, at worst, they could harm you,” another commented. “Some families in need will use children as bait,” added a third, reinforcing the alarming nature of the situation.
This disturbing scam is designed to lure unsuspecting drivers into leaving their vehicles unattended. The scammer’s goal is to have the driver stop and check the stroller, giving them the opportunity to steal the vehicle, rob the individual, or even cause physical harm.
However, not everyone agrees with this interpretation. Some commenters on Walsh’s post suggested that people sometimes leave baby items by the side of the road simply because they are still usable, and they hope someone in need might find and take them.
Despite this, the majority of responses leaned toward the more sinister view. “Someone might have placed it there to see what happens when someone stops,” one commenter speculated. Another added, “It’s a bait trap. Don’t get out. Pull over. STAY IN THE CAR. Lock the door. And call 911 FAST.” The consensus was clear: caution and vigilance are essential when encountering such a situation.
Walsh’s warning isn’t the first of its kind, as others have also shared similar concerns. “OMG – I would be out of the car so fast to check, thanks for the warning,” one mother commented. Another added, “This is so cruel because they are targeting the best of us,” expressing how easily someone with good intentions could fall into such a trap.
The “abandoned baby” scam is part of a troubling pattern of deceptive tactics designed to exploit the kindness of strangers. Other scams involve a person pretending to be unconscious on the roadside, only for others to ambush and attack those who stop to offer help. These deceptive practices highlight the growing dangers of trusting seemingly innocent situations, urging caution and awareness for everyone.
Many people shared their own unsettling experiences with similar scams. One social media user recalled, “I pulled over to help a man passed out on the side of the road once. The police officer yelled at me and said it’s often a scam, and as a single woman, I should be more careful.” Another commenter added, “I’ve heard of women screaming for help only for it to be a trap. Just call the cops and move on.”
Walsh’s post has gone viral, amassing over 23,000 shares, as people recognize the importance of spreading the message. While it’s natural to want to help those we believe are in distress, it’s crucial to remember to stay cautious and never put ourselves at unnecessary risk.
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